on why redwhite05, has a hate on for Taman, he couldnt have him for his own.
http://www.canoe.ca/Slam031029/col_toth-sun.htmlMeet the candidates
By DAN TOTH – Calgary Sun
The favourite catch phrase around McMahon Stadium these days is: “We’re going to move forward.”
Calgary Stampeders owner Michael Feterik is moving forward, saying his football team is no longer for sale.
New president/CEO Ron Rooke is moving forward, settling into a job he’s dreamed about for years.
Former placekicker, turned executive, turned placekicker Mark McLoughlin is moving forward, trading in dress shoes for a familiar pair of cleats.
But it would seem head coach Jim Barker could be left in the dust.
With the club announcing Monday it has started its search for a general manager – Barker need not apply – the first-year coach must be scratching his head.
Coupled with yesterday’s Calgary Sun story revealing McLoughlin’s claim Barker might have breached his contract with public statements about ownership and the door might be open for not only a new GM but a head coach, too.
Rooke, of course, can’t talk to CFL personnel who are still in the playoffs but with the Grey Cup being handed out in less than three weeks, a new man could be in place within a month.
It’s standard operating procedure for any new GM to hand-pick his own coach.
Barker’s exemplary credentials, despite a 5-13 season, might still make him the best candidate but it’s becoming apparent the club is paving the way for the new GM to hire his own on-field general.
“I might still be the right guy for the job,” Barker insisted yesterday.
“Now that Ron’s our president, he’ll be making all the decisions and when we get a new general manager, he’ll be the one I’ll be dealing with on a daily basis.”
Barker also points out he has two years remaining on his pact and both Rooke and Feterik have publicly stated he’s still their man.
“The owner and the president have both said they want me to be here,” Barker said.
But rumblings about breached contracts conjure up images of high-priced lawyers with magnifying glasses, intently searching for a loophole.
“Mark and I talked with Jim about the quote behind closed doors,” Rooke said.
Rooke added he still hasn’t looked at Barker’s contract but said he discussed it yesterday with McLoughlin and Feterik.
Now there are reports Winnipeg’s sharp, young vice-president of player personnel, Brendan Taman, is a top candidate to head Calgary’s rebuilding project with elder statesman of the coaching fraternity, Dave Ritchie, possibly coming along for the ride. Ritchie, who has one year remaining on his contract, might find himself under fire should the Bombers make a quick exit from the playoffs.
Taman is so highly regarded, however, he could have more than one team calling when top CFL management jobs become available.
Ritchie, of course, has almost unlimited coaching experience with 17 seasons in the CFL, the last five as head coach of the Blue Bombers. In 2001, he won the CFL coach of the year award and would be qualified to handle both the GM and head coaching roles.
But would a man of Ritchie’s age – he’s 64 – and experience want to come to Calgary in light of everything that’s gone on here? And don’t think he hasn’t called close pal Wally Buono to check how deep his scars are after his time under the current owner.
Taman has connections within the Stampeders coaching staff, making it easy to kick the franchise’s tires before daring to sit behind the wheel.
Edmonton Eskimos defensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall is another prime candidate as Calgary’s new GM, although his name has already been mentioned in Hamilton should Ron Lancaster not return, as expected.
How about a Tom Higgins/Marshall combo moving down Hwy. 2 once the Grey Cup is handed out next month?
Higgins’ days in Edmonton might be numbered should the Esks fail to bring home the hardware again this fall. He held several coaching posts over a nine-year span in Cowtown (1985-93).
As for Rooke’s replacement as Stamps director of media relations, Shawn Coates of the Blue Bombers is a good bet.
“If I was offered that job, I would give it serious consideration,” said Coates, a full-time staffer with the Bombers regarded as one of the best in the league at his job.
“With Ron’s promotion, there’s nowhere to go but up for the Stamps and they have a really bright future.”
Coates, a friend of Rooke’s, said he hasn’t been contacted by the Stamps and doesn’t expect to hear from the club until after Winnipeg’s playoff run is over.
Stamps community relations man Kelsey Goldade could also be promoted into Rooke’s empty chair.
RICH GET RITCHIE … Speculation in CFL circles yesterday listed Winnipeg Blue Bombers brain trust Dave Ritchie and player personnel guru Brendan Taman among worthy candidates to carry the wounded Stamps back to glory.
